Inequality, negative stereotypes, poverty and incarceration rates were societal barriers that created a feeling of despair for Indigenous people, Ms Larkin said.

"We're just consistently set up to fail, it's the powerlessness ... all we're wanting is a sense of equality and a place within the system and respect.

"The only way to make change is to look at our top document — the constitution — and change that."

That change would be enhanced with more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander politicians, Ms Larkin said.

"They [non-Indigenous politicians] really don't have a stake in the game and a vested interest in progressing these types of proposals, hence why we need more Indigenous Australians in politics."

She said Australia could learn from New Zealand, which has Maori representatives in parliament, a Maori electoral roll and Maori census data.

Until then, NAIDOC in 2019 could be a catalyst for change, she said.

"If the proposals that underpin this year's NAIDOC theme ... get put forth to the public ... that's just a really beneficial way for all citizens to basically change the system and begin the path towards reconciliation."